Urban Rec Coed Ultimate – Frequently Asked Questions

New to Ultimate or Urban Rec? Here are the basics you need to know before hitting the field.

Ultimate in 60 Seconds

7-on-7 → Pull to start each point → Pass the disc to teammates → You can't run with the disc → 10-second stall count → Incomplete pass = turnover → Catch the disc in the end zone = point → No referees → Make your own calls and keep it fun!

How many players are on the field?

Ultimate is played 7-on-7.

A full starting lineup must include at least 2 women and 1 man.

Teams can play with as few as 5 players, provided there are at least 2 women and 1 man on the field.

A team with fewer than 5 players, or without the minimum 2 women and 1 man, will be considered in default.

Teams may play with any combination of genders beyond these minimum requirements and do not have to match the opposing team's gender ratio.

How long are the games?

Games consist of two 25-minute halves with a short half-time break.

Regular-season games may end in a tie.

Do I need a light and dark shirt?

Yes. Every player should bring both a light and dark shirt to each game. No grey.

The home team wears light and the visiting team wears dark. Team uniforms are encouraged but not required.

What is a pull?

A pull is the throw that starts each point—similar to a kickoff in other sports.

The pulling team throws the disc from its end zone toward the receiving team. Both teams must be in their respective end zones before the pull.

Each half and every point begins with a pull.

Who pulls after a point is scored?

The team that scores pulls to the other team to start the next point.

Teams switch the direction they are attacking after every point.

How do we decide who starts with the disc?

Before the game, teams play Rock, Paper, Scissors.

The winner may choose to receive the opening pull, make the opening pull, or choose which end to defend. The opposing team receives the remaining choice.

At the start of the second half, teams switch ends and the team that received the opening pull will pull.

Can I run with the disc?

No. You can run to catch the disc, but once you have possession you must stop as quickly as reasonably possible and establish a pivot foot.

You can then pass the disc in any direction to a teammate.

How long can I hold the disc?

A defender guarding you, known as the marker, can begin an audible stall count from 1 to 10.

The disc must be released before the marker reaches 10. If not, it's a turnover.

What causes a turnover?

Possession changes whenever a pass is incomplete. Common examples include:

• The disc hits the ground;

• A defender intercepts the disc;

• A defender blocks a pass and the disc hits the ground; or

• The disc goes out of bounds.

The other team immediately takes possession and play continues.

How do you score?

A point is scored by completing a pass to a teammate in the end zone your team is attacking.

The receiver must catch and maintain possession of the disc with their first point of ground contact completely inside the end zone.

You cannot run or walk the disc into the end zone.

When can we substitute players?

Substitutions can be made:

• After a point;

• At half-time; or

• Due to injury.

Teams must continue to meet Urban Rec's minimum gender requirements.

Is Ultimate a contact sport?

No. Ultimate is a non-contact sport.

Players are responsible for avoiding contact whenever reasonably possible. Picks and intentional screens are not allowed, and players should never initiate contact to gain an advantage.

Player safety always takes priority over making a play on the disc.

Are foot blocks allowed?

Yes. Foot blocks are allowed, but they must be attempted safely and under control.

A dangerous or reckless foot block can be called as a dangerous play.

Are there referees?

No. Ultimate is self-officiated.

Players make their own foul and violation calls. Only the players involved in the play should make calls—players on the sideline should not make calls for them.

Urban Rec staff are on-site to manage the league and maintain a positive and safe environment, but they are not referees.

What happens when a foul is called?

A foul generally occurs when contact between players affects the play.

If the foul affects a catch or possession, play stops and the players involved determine the appropriate outcome.

Remember that Ultimate is self-officiated. Make fair calls, respect calls made by other players and keep discussions brief and respectful so the game can continue.

What is “Spirit of the Game”?

Spirit of the Game is one of the defining principles of Ultimate. Because there are no referees, players are responsible for playing fairly and respectfully.

That means making honest calls, communicating respectfully, avoiding dangerous play and remembering that competitive play should never come at the expense of sportsmanship, safety or fun.

It fits perfectly with Urban Rec's “Fun First” philosophy.

What happens if we don't have enough players?

Teams have a 10-minute grace period from their scheduled start time to field at least 5 players, including a minimum of 2 women and 1 man.

If the minimum lineup can't be met after 10 minutes, the game is recorded as a default. Teams are still encouraged to mix players and use the field time to play for fun.

Can we use substitute players?

Yes, provided substitutes are added to the team's Urban Rec roster and have completed the online waiver.

For playoffs, players must be on the team roster and have played at least 2 regular-season games to be eligible.

What if a rule isn't covered here?

The complete Urban Rec Coed Ultimate Rules should always be your first reference.

For situations not specifically addressed by Urban Rec's rules, the USA Ultimate Official Rules of Ultimate are used as a guide. Urban Rec's league-specific rules and modifications take precedence.

Most importantly: know the basics, make fair calls, respect your opponents and have fun!